Sewing Space/Play Room/Office... is it possible??
 

I'm a stay at home mom of a 3 year old and a newborn and am trying to use the designated playroom off the kitchen as a sewing space and office as well. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on making this happen.. or is it too much for one space? The room is a good size (about 12x14 maybe?) but some of my daughters bigger toys also occupy the space (think: play kitchen, dress up area), not to mention the coloring books and dolls that tend to litter the floor! Plus I need room for my toys! Any tips? I really don't want to have to move into the cold, dark basement!

I have my sewing table in what is my grandchildren's playroom. I have my things in one corner of the room facing the door so I can see what's going on. :) Also, have a tall white storage cabinet with all the movies/games/color books/crayons/etc. in it and I use half of the closet for my storage tubs and half for the rest of their toys. The only complaint I have is that you have to be sure to put all your straight pins/scissors/etc. in a drawer and teach them not to bother the sewing machine. You can make it work.

Of course you can make it work!

I can see islands/peninsulas like you have in kitchens. They could be multi-purpose for sit up areas, perhaps like an old partner's desk where you sit from one side for the office and kids sit from the other side for their colouring, etc. And when the other isn't there, there's extra space! Also, cabinets that will be multi-purpose to be used for toy storage now ... and stash/sewing when the kids no longer use the room!

It'd be important for all using the space to tidy up after themselves and develop a healthy respect for the other's space (ie not invade)!! Take time to list your dream list for the perfect room. Then start planning it out on graph paper, and see what you can work in of things you have already to keep the costs minimal.

Could you put up a children's gate system to keep the kids from getting into your space. That way you are with them and can see them, but not have to worry about them getting hurt. Lets face it, you drop something and don't realize it or can't find it, garentee they will find!

Of course you can do it!! I have a office / sewing room in a 10x10 space. 1/2 of the room is occupied by my husbands desk and his stereo equipment / guitars. My half has a small desk (my Grandmothers :) ) along with a file cabinet that holds our printers. The sewing part I'm still working on getting it organized. I put up a pegboard on one wall that holds all of my scissors / rulers / etc. I'm putting up 2 shelves that are going to hold bins with my fabric. My closet I took the doors off and added shelves from top to bottom and my sewing machine is in a table that my Dad made for me. It can be done!!!

Caution with pins and needles - and the rotary cutters... In the wrong hands can cause serious harm...

I'm not a neat Quilter- for me it would never work..

There are sewing desks that turn into credenzas when you want to hide the sewing machine and keep it away from wee fingers. Put up cheap shelving for stash and what about a drop down cutting and ironing board out from under the shelving. Plus space high enough for cutters and pins. One other thing: Go to the local auto shop and get a magnet on a 3 foot stick( in Canada about $15) that is used to pick up nuts and bolts in garages but works on like a dream on pins, needles and probably metal toys. Use it every evening.

Maybe take one corner and make a small enclosed area with furniture (maybe 6x6). You could put your ironing station against one wall so it would be away from the opening to your area. Use a child's gate between the furniture pieces to block the area when you're not in it to supervise. A friend uses an old dresser for her cutting table and then she has all the drawers for storage. This might work for you and then find an old desk for your sewing machine. Use both these pieces to enclose your corner with a small opening. I hope this is clear and helpful.

I can't suggest anything in particular but I hope you can make it work. When our youngest was 3 he loved to play right where I was sewing. He wanted his toys right there by me. I often had to step over him to get up from the machine but he was quiet and just played by himself...right under my feet. Looking back (he's grown) I love that memory. :)